Physical activity and suicidal ideation: Ruminative thinking and depression as chain mediators

Physical activity is associated with a decrease in suicidal ideation, but the mechanism of this effect is still under investigation. We surveyed 1,011 college students regarding their physical activity, ruminative thinking, depression, and suicidal ideation. Results showed that physical activity was negatively correlated with ruminative thinking, depression, and suicidal ideation, and that ruminative thinking and depression were positively associated with suicidal ideation. Ruminative thinking and depression had both independent and chain mediating effects on the relationship between physical activity and suicidal ideation. Thus, physical activity may directly affect college students’ suicidal ideation and also indirectly affect it through ruminative thinking and depression. Implications of the findings are discussed.